The first time I launched an F-4 as a crew chief I did the walk through with the pilot, strapped him in, removed the ladder. We went through the check of all the flight surfaces and then I took my position in front of the aircraft to signal him to taxi to the end-of-runway for munitions and final check. The plane rolled about five feet and lurched to a stop! The pilot was pointing to the back of his ejection seat. I grabbed the ladder and up went the canopy. I had missed the bright red flag on the pin that keeps the ejection seat from accidentally being fired during ground time. This wasn't just a goof-up but a major incident as it would have meant the pilot's life if he had to eject. I counted it up to nerves as it was my first time. You can bet I never made that mistake again.

Re leaving the chuck key in the driver (the drill is the actual cutting tool). Anyone who uses an electric drill more than casually, eventually does that...more than once!